Star Phoenix Field Trip May 10

On May 10, at 9:05 am, we will leave to walk downtown to the Star Phoenix for a tour. Students will learn about the process, the people, and the technology involved in creating a newspaper. Following the field trip, students will have some writing lessons and small in-class assignments to write using what they learn on the trip. Students will need to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for a walk in whatever weather we have in store next Friday morning. I anticipate that we will finish our tour around 11:00 am, at which time we will walk back to school. 

If there are any caregivers who can join us for this trip, please let me know by Tuesday, May 7. I would appreciate any volunteers who could provide an extra pair of eyes during the walk to and from the Star Phoenix.

How Long Is Time and How Have Glaciers Shaped Our Province?

We have been working on a Treaty Education unit, and students wanted to share with you what they learned today. Today we read another creation story from the Huron First Nation, and we compared it to the Anishnabi creation story that we read last week. We also discussed again the idea that we are all treaty people, and that we all have meaningful stories which we pass on generation to generation. Then, we did a little investigating to see the story that science tells of how our Earth began. Here are some links to the facts that we examined:

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/products-services/mapping-product/geoscape/northern-saskatchewan/6443

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/products-services/mapping-product/geoscape/northern-saskatchewan/6206

Students will have an opportunity to write and share their own creation stories, based on whatever beliefs or imaginative ideas they have. Students have also begun to compile symbols to represent their learning; they will keep these symbols in "paniers d'apprentissages" (learning baskets), to demonstrate the value and validity of oral tradition and knowledge keeping.

UPDATE: Some Vokis were not yet viewable as they were unfinished until this week. As of May 7, all Vokis are now ready to view. Please follow the links to see your child's work.

Our Vokis

Please take a moment to view your child's work on Voki. Each student created an avatar who describes actions that people can take to project children's rights. The students typed in the text, and the avatar reads exactly what students write. To protect your child's privacy, avatars are listed by students' initials. The link to view projects is on our libguide or as follows: http://www.voki.com/php/classroom/PLPP/key=f5815de928b116661be4bb1dc3019624

Pompeii Novel Study Project Fair

The students would like to invite all parents, caregivers, and family members to join us in the Library Resource Centre (LRC) on Tuesday, April 30, from 12:45 to 1:35 pm for a project fair. Students will set up their projects on the tables around the LRC, briefly presenting and explaining their projects to small groups of circulating parents. In essence, it will be an informal "learning fair," so that students have a chance to share their displays and their writing. With this style of presentation, you will have time to see your child's work, even if you only have 10 minutes to visit.

We endeavoured to choose a date and a time that would work for the majority, but of course I know that it will not suit everyone. I apologise for the short notice, but I look forward to seeing those of you who are able to come!

Pompeii Novel Study Projects

Students have already begun collecting supplies for their projects on Pompeii. Students had a choice of projects, such as building a diorama, making a map (2D or 3D), making a poster, or, for the very ambitious, making a film. Students co-constructed the evaluation criteria in class, and we have reviewed it several times. If you would like to download or to view a copy of the documents that students received, please click the following link: http://snack.to/fdnaofsi.

Please note that as we are working on our projects, there will be no French dictee until the week on April 29.

Report Cards and Interviews

As we all scramble to prepare for the upcoming holiday, it is easy for things to fall through the cracks. I have prepared a small list of reminders for us all:

- Brown report card envelopes need to be signed and returned to the school as soon as possible. Please remove the report card before returning the envelope.

- If you are unable to schedule an interview time on the 26 or 27, please contact me to arrange an alternate interview (if only so that I can sing your child's praises in person).

- If possible, please read your child's report card before your interview so I can answer any questions you might have
.
- The Scholastic Book Fair will take place March 26 and 27, during the day and the evening, for those who would like to purchase a book for the holiday.

- Complimentary copies of the Star Phoenix will be outside each teacher's door to promote our upcoming fundraiser. The Star Phoenix is donating $20 for every subscription that students raise, beginning April 11.


If I do not get the chance to tell you in person, have a wonderful week with your families!

Science Fair

On March 20, those students who have chosen to participate in the Victoria School Science Fair will display their projects. Displays will be set up in the gym, and with over 60 projects this year, there should be something to interest everyone! Participants will display their work between 1:00 and 3:30 pm and between 5:30 and 7:00 pm (optional).

For our class, those participating will be in the gym to display their work from 1:00 to 2:25 pm. Participants need to arrive and set up in the gym during lunch time. They will clean up either after the Fair is over in the evening, or before school on March 21.

 Please join us at the Science Fair to show appreciation for our students' hard work!